Paqtnkek Announces Anchor Tenants in Commercial Development

Antigonish, NS: Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation announced today that Wilsons Fuels and Calgary-based Husky will team up to supply an Esso-branded outlet in the community’s new commercial development 20 kilometres east of Antigonish.

Husky will supply diesel fuel to the station’s card-lock operation as a convenience for long-haul truckers traveling on the Trans-Canada Highway to and from Cape Breton and Newfoundland & Labrador.

“This is a historic day for our community,” said Chief PJ (Paul) Prosper. “We are creating a better economic future for ourselves and future generations. We are thrilled to have such credible business partners as we launch the Bayside Travel Centre, phase one of our commercial development.”

The Bayside Travel Centre, now under construction, will include:
• 24-hour retail fuel with complementary ‘call ahead’ service to customers requiring assistance;
• 24-hour diesel fuel card-lock station for long-haul trucks working the northeast corridor;
• Electric charging station;
• A truckers’ lounge that includes a separate entrance, rest area with wall-mounted flat screen TV, free wi-fi and large showers with a secure change area;
• A Band-owned and operated convenience store with basic items for the local market plus freshly prepared food and convenience products for people on-the-go;
• Two ‘quick service’ restaurants, each with a drive-through around an atrium that will feature free wi-fi, a bank machine and washrooms;
• Doorless public washrooms so users can avoid touching door handles. A separate family washroom with an infant change table will have a lockable door;
• A 50-seat public seating area in the atrium with comfortable chairs and group seating. This area will also be used for community gatherings and tourist presentations;
• Seasonal Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and Aboriginal/Nova Scotia Crafts kiosks will be included in the atrium. The VIC will have permanent design features (counter with staff workspace, map and brochure holders) while the crafts kiosks will be wheeled and removable;
• Free wi-fi will be provided under the Band’s CRTC license. Fiber optics is currently available at the Paqtnkek Health Centre and will be extended across the Trans-Canada Highway to the project;
• A landscaped outdoor activity area with a separate parking lot. Uses in the outdoor space will include a dog park, seasonal retail pads (ice cream stand, food trucks, etc.) and treed seating areas with benches.

“Market studies show that we are in a prime location to capture significant truck traffic along this key route to Cape Breton,” added Prosper.

“For too long, we were denied access to our own reserve land on the south side of the highway. With access, we can now create own-source revenues to support programs, services and infrastructure within our community. And we’re committing to a sustainable long-term development that includes green space for the enjoyment of our community members and for visitors from around the world.”

The travel centre will be a non-smoking building that will have three-phase power with a backup emergency generator. This means Emergency Health Services (EHS) paramedics can use the site for potential medical responses.

Adjacent to the Bayside Travel Centre will be an entertainment centre containing video lottery terminals under the Band’s gaming agreement with the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation. This is a relocation and expansion of the existing Band-owned business.

The travel centre is expected to open in the summer of 2019. The Band will consult with community members about phase two of the development, which will be located just to the east of the travel centre.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this commercial development along the Trans-Canada Highway near Antigonish,” said Steve Perry, Maritime Account Manager, Wilsons Fuels. “We are very proud of our relationship with the Paqtnkek community and look forward to our bright future together.”

“We look forward to working with Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation on this exciting project,” added Matt Omelchuk, Manager of Business Development, Husky. “Professional drivers traveling between Cape Breton and Newfoundland and Labrador will have the convenience of accessing a card-lock, while also enjoying all the amenities at the Bayside Travel Centre.”

Rose Paul, Paqtnkek’s Director of Land and Economic Development, says the project honours the community’s name and historic role as a meeting place for Mi’kmaq travelers heading to and from Cape Breton.

“The word ‘Paqtnkek’ in English means ‘By the bay’ and ‘side’ acknowledges the now-accessible land on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway,” said Paul.

She added: “I would also like to acknowledge the support of many other partners who have been working diligently with us, including the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Indigenous Services Canada, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, Nova Scotia Power, Robotnik Communications, Nova Construction, Alva Construction, Rodney MacLean Forestry, MacLane & Bernard Construction, Hatch Engineering, the Chris Lowe Group and MacFawn and Rogers Architects.”

About us

Wilsons Fuels
As an independent gasoline retailer and supplier, Wilsons Gas Stops operates its own service stations and distributes fuel to dealers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. Wilsons Gas Stops operates 77 company service stations, 11 Wilsons Gas Stops and 66 Esso stations. It distributes products to 200 dealers in Atlantic Canada. The family-run business has been recognized as one of Canada’s ‘50 Best Managed Companies’.

Husky
Husky operates a network of retail outlets from British Columbia to New Brunswick, including more than 400 Husky-branded sites and more than 150 Esso-branded card-lock sites.

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation
Located in northeastern Nova Scotia, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaq Nation is a small community of 450 on-reserve members with another 130 living off-reserve in Canada and the United States. The Band was recently awarded a financial performance certificate from the First Nations Financial Management Board for being one of the best managed First Nations in Canada.